MAJOR upgrading of the Battle of Glen Fruin memorial cairn was marked at a ceremony in the glen on Friday June 1 2018.

Improvements to the area around the cairn were welcomed by Sir Malcolm Colquhoun of Luss and Trust chairman the Rev David Clark.

Mr Clark said: “The event was held to recognise the work and input of various bodies in improving the environment and visitor experience at the cairn.”

The cairn, which is located beside the road near the head of the glen on land owned by Luss Estates, was erected in the 1960s to mark the approximate site of the clan battle which took place there in 1603.

The Heritage Trust Board had become aware that access to the monument from the road was becoming increasingly difficult, partly because of the state of the path and partly because of the growth of surrounding shrubs such as whin and birch trees.

Said treasurer Stewart Noble: “We also felt that it would be worthwhile having an explanatory board close to the monument so that people could learn the significance of the battle.”

The interpretation board was prepared by Sarah Crome of SS Crome Associates using information supplied by the Heritage Trust.The environmental work was undertaken over two years by Community Payback, initially under the leadership of Bill Freeland and then, after Bill's retirement, under Eddie O'Hara.The work involved the removal of most of the nearby shrubs and trees, to make access easier and to improve the visibility of the monument from the road.

Steps were built up from the road to the monument, with a handrail alongside, and a bench was constructed near the monument. Further clearance work was undertaken recently by Luss Estates.

The work was paid for partly by Luss Estates, partly by the Heritage Trust, and partly by a donation from a member of the trust who requested to remain anonymous.